Since its
formation 45 years ago, Micro-Epsilon has pioneered the development
of more innovative, non-contact displacement measurement sensors.
The future will see more compact, smarter sensors with integrated
electronics that offer new features and increased functionality,
says Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK.

Displacement
can be measured in various ways by using a number of different
physical measuring principles. Some years ago, displacement sensors
were still relatively large in their housing design, with separate,
discrete electronics. However, new technologies and production
systems are now enabling miniature sensors to be produced with
integrated electronics. A pioneer in this field is Micro-Epsilon.

Established in
Hanover, Germany in 1968, Micro-Epsilon was originally a supplier
of strain gauges, the start of the company's displacement measurement
product range. In the mid-1970s, it was already recognised that
the future for Micro-Epsilon was in non-contact displacement
measurement technology.

In 1982, Micro-Epsilon
developed the S05, the world's first miniature eddy current displacement
sensor. This was followed by even further developments when,
in 1998, Micro-Epsilon launched the U05 (08), at that time, the
world's smallest eddy current displacement sensor. This sensor
was the result of a further reduction in size of the U05 standard
sensor, which had been a successful reliable product over many
years. This trend towards miniaturisation has been a critical
success factor for Micro-Epsilon and more importantly its customers
to this day.

The U05 (08),
the world's smallest eddy current sensor, launched in 1998

The 1990s saw
the constant progression of digital technologies, which made
access to new electronics and optical components possible. In
1992, Micro-Epsilon launched the world's first fully digital
optical sensor, the optoNCDT 2000. Rather than using PSD lines
for acquiring measured values, innovative CCD elements were used,
which achieved new levels of precision that had never been seen
before.

In 1994, Micro-Epsilon
developed the LIP inductive sensor, a major innovation at the
time. The compact, flexible design enabled the company to manufacture
cost-effective, customer-specific sensors for OEM displacement
measurement applications.

From the turn
of the Millennium, Micro-Epsilon has continued to develop its
range of confocal measurement sensors. In 2006, for example,
the company launched a confocal miniature sensor with an outer
diameter of just 4mm, another world first.

Current trends
in displacement measurement technology indicate that smaller,
more intelligent sensors with integrated electronics are now
required. In mechanical engineering, the requirement for extremely
compact sensors is always an important factor, especially if
installation space is restricted or if the sensor needs to be
lightweight. This is also the case in terms of integration of
more electronics and intelligence in the sensor. This means that
sensors are more frequently required to perform the signal conditioning
directly in the sensor, therefore reducing component count, whilst
offering faster measuring speeds.

In the last five
years, Micro-Epsilon has continued to raise the bar in terms
of non-contact displacement measurement. For example, the company's
next-generation of eddy current sensors use a patented embedded
coil technology (ECT), which overcomes the previous limitations
of discrete coil windings. The eddyECT sensor coil utilises new
inorganic materials to embed the coil, which enables hermetically-sealed,
ultra-compact designs. This provides almost unlimited scope in
terms of the external design and geometrical shape of the sensors.

Next-generation eddyECT sensors, the only eddy current sensors
in the world to use embedded coil technology.

The sensors also
offer extreme mechanical robustness, resulting in longer service
intervals and higher temperature stability. The complete circuit
electronics can be integrated into the sensor, providing an even
more compact measurement solution. The sensors are also suitable
for harsh operating environments, including high vibration, impact
shocks and high operating temperatures (up to 650°C). Sensors
have been produced with extremely low thermal drift and with
temperature errors of less than 20 parts per million per degree
Kelvin (20 ppm/K).

By integrating
smart electronics in the sensor itself, laser triangulation sensors
are a great example of how much smaller sensor systems are becoming.
Most conventional sensors require a separate electronics unit
as well as the sensor itself. The latest sensor designs have
a very small housing in which the complete electronics are integrated
without sacrificing sensor performance. Measuring ranges vary
between 5mm and 2m.

Extremely high resolutions are possible when using confocal chromatic
measurement technology. Resolutions in the nanometre range are
typically achieved. Confocal sensors have a very small measuring
spot that enables measurements on particularly small objects.
Therefore, even the finest scratches on a surface can be measured
reliably. The beam path of the sensor is compact and concentric
and so measurements inside bore holes or test tubes are possible.
Thickness measurement of transparent films, boards or layers
is also possible.

In industrial
automation, there is a growing trend towards replacing existing
first generation fieldbuses with industrial Ethernet. Manufacturing
processes are becoming higher speed and more automated and so
these industrial networks require sensors and measurement systems
that support these faster, dynamic processes. As a result, Micro-Epsilon
is integrating real time Ethernet technology into many of its
laser displacement sensors and controllers and is developing
sensors and controllers that cater for these requirements.

The first multi-channel eddy current measurement system (500
series), circa mid-1970s.

EtherCAT is rapidly
establishing itself within the market as a communications standard
(protocol) that can offer true real time capabilities in automation
technology. In line with this, Micro-Epsilon has also developed
sensors and controllers with EtherCAT capability, enabling them
to be smoothly integrated into existing control and automation
networks.

For more information,
please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on 0151 355 6070
or email amanda.byrne@micro-epsilon.co.uk

Micro-Epsilon
(www.micro-epsilon.co.uk) is a major global manufacturer of sensors,
headquartered in Germany. The companys range of displacement
sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration,
dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact
measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even
3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive,
LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.
Additionally Micro Epsilon has developed its own range of non-contact
infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target
temperature from -40 to +3,300°C.

With more
than 35 years experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon
isnt just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly
innovative and understands the importance of providing complete
solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is
renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application
of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions
for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling
technical advantage to its customers.For
sales and technical information contact:-